Everyone has a right to get a flu shot

We Americans are now facing yet another national crisis. The unavailability of the flu vaccine for many of us raises serious questions.

Who is responsible for this lack? The pharmaceutical firms in the U.S.A. no longer produce the vaccine because it is not sufficiently profitable.

I was part of the confused response locally to the announcement that the North Street A&P would have flu shots at 10 a.m. When I drove in at 9:30, the parking lot was full. People were returning to their cars, looking disappointed and dejected.

I saw frail elders, some being pushed in their wheelchairs, others using canes. They told me that the people who arrived much earlier had been served and there was no more vaccine.

The next day, thanks to my Medicare status, to the listings in The News-Times with detailed information, and to the very efficient handling by the

I walked out feeling both grateful and guilty (that I had been a recipient of priority because of my age).

I believe that every one, of any age, should have the right to the vaccine. Where is the leadership of our public health administration? Let's all write to our representatives in Congress and request that they respond to this unmet need.